Rays Pony Up

Mark Lancaster of the Tampa Tribune reports that the Devil Rays are set to raise their payroll by at least 20% for 2008. This would bring the total to just under the whopping $35MM mark. The additional payroll will go toward extending Carlos Pena who only made $800,000 to hit 44 homeruns this year.

This also brings bad news for teams waiting to get in on the Scott Kazmir sweepstakes. Principal Owner Stuart Sternberg is exploring long term deals with both Kazmir and James Shields. Sternberg believes that with the ongoing development of their young pitching core and proper offseason moves, a postseason berth is possible for 2008.

Well, one thing seems certain: look for the Rays to be suitors for a number of relievers this off season.